Fantasyland Expansion Brings More Magic to Walt DisneyWorld

On the first day of the Disney Social Media Moms Conference (Celebration) a small group of us were given the opportunity to go back behind the walls before the parks opened and get a sneak-peek at the Fantasyland expansion currently taking place. It is the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Thanks to our host, Disney Imagineer Tim Warzecha for telling us all about what’s underway.

As you can see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be a part of the expansion but there’s more including the Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Coaster. The Beast’s castle will be the setting for “Be Our Guest Restaurant” wing and the West Wing of the castle which will look just as though you were walking through the doors of the actual castle in the movie. The restaurant will seat 550 guests. During hte day it will offer “great food fast” service and in the evening full table service dining. I can’t wait to see this myself! Oh the magic there will be! In fact if you want just a sneak-peek you can check out this video that the Disney Parks Blog just posted.

Disney is all about telling the story from top to bottom and want you to be totally and completely immersed in the Disney magic and storytelling the moment you walk through the gates. Their “eyes up, jaw down” way of thinking is certainly evident in everything they do. One of the things that Imagineer Tim pointed out was over by their most favorite ride – Dumbo the Flying Elephant. While the ride itself is beautiful to look at and one every child wants to ride next time you are there take a look around. Look up, look down take in the complete story. When you look down you notice the story is even being told on the ground you walk on. I hadn’t noticed myself until it was pointed out to us that there are peanuts in the pavement. Don’t panic for those of you with children or are adults with peanut allergies. Disney would never endanger any visitor’s health. There are man made peanuts embedded into the path. Sorry my photo isn’t the best but you get the idea.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take you on a musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster is a first of it’s kind ride system which will have a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to twists and turns of the track. Doesn’t that sound like fun?

They think of everything don’t they? I have always been impressed by what these Imagineers do but this has just taken it to a new level.

I paid a fee to attend the Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World. As an attendee I received discounted rates and additional perks enhancing the magical Disney experience.I was not asked to blog about my experience. As always all thoughts in this post are my own.